Facade Improvement Program

Downtown Centerville's historic buildings tell the story of our community. The Facade Improvement Program helps property owners preserve that character while making their buildings more attractive to tenants and customers.

How It Works

The program provides matching grants, typically covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of $3,000 per building. Property owners invest in their building, and Main Street Centerville matches a portion of that investment.

This matching structure ensures that both the property owner and the community have skin in the game, leading to better outcomes and long-term building maintenance.

Eligible Improvements

Projects must be on buildings within the designated downtown district and visible from the public right-of-way. Eligible work includes:

• Masonry repair: Tuckpointing, brick cleaning, stone restoration
• Paint and finishes: Exterior painting, staining, or appropriate coatings
• Storefront renovation: Window replacement, door upgrades, transom restoration
• Awnings and canopies: New or replacement awnings that complement building architecture
• Signage: Historically appropriate signage and sign band restoration
• Lighting: Exterior accent lighting, storefront illumination
• Architectural details: Cornice repair, decorative trim restoration, exposed original features

Design Guidelines

All facade projects should respect the architectural heritage of the downtown district. Our Design Committee reviews proposals to ensure they complement neighboring buildings and follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation where applicable.

This doesn't mean every building needs to look like a museum piece. Modern storefronts can fit beautifully into a historic streetscape when materials, proportions, and colors are chosen thoughtfully.

Common Design Principles

• Preserve original architectural elements rather than covering or removing them
• Use colors that complement the building's era and surrounding structures
• Maintain the storefront's original proportions where possible
• Choose materials that are durable and appropriate for the building style
• Avoid covering upper-story windows or adding materials that obscure original details

Application Steps

1. Pre-consultation: Meet with our Design Committee to discuss your project ideas before you start
2. Get estimates: Obtain at least two written bids from qualified contractors
3. Submit application: Include project description, photos of current conditions, contractor bids, and proposed color/material samples
4. Committee review: The Design Committee evaluates applications for compliance with design guidelines
5. Approval and agreement: Sign the grant agreement, which includes a maintenance commitment
6. Complete the work: Finish the project within the agreed timeline
7. Reimbursement: Submit receipts and final photos for grant payment

Before & After

The results speak for themselves. Buildings that have gone through the program have seen increased occupancy rates, higher property values, and improved curb appeal that benefits the entire block. See our detailed facade improvement case study for a real before-and-after breakdown.

Apply Now

Thinking about improving your building's facade? Contact us to schedule a pre-consultation with our Design Committee. We can help you identify priority improvements and guide you through the application process.